What is a chip extraction tool?

Use a chip extraction tool to remove microchips from circuit boards. (motherboard image by dinostock from Fotolia.com)

You use a chip extraction tool to remove microchips from a computer circuit board. Grip the edges of the chip with the tool and lift it to disengage the chip's pins from its socket.

Other People Are Reading

Function

Use a chip extraction tool to replace an existing processor chip with a newer model; you can use it to remove memory chips that have gone bad or need to be upgraded. It is also a helpful tool to extract ROM or BIOS chips that no longer work or have been infected with a virus.

Features

Pullers on chip extraction tools prevent the scratching or breaking that may occur when microchips are removed in other ways, such as if a user pries the microchip loose with a screwdriver. The antistatic material used in some chip extraction tools reduces the possibility of electrical damage. Spring-assisted handles on some tools avoid the need to pull on a chip.

Types

General purpose chip extraction tools work with all microchips. Other tools work with specific types and sizes of chips, or with chips that have a certain number of pins. A specially-designed chip extraction tool has been patented by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Considerations

You can purchase chip extraction tools separately, or save money by purchasing them as part of a tool set. Microchip manufacturers such as Intel supply chip extraction tools to customers who need them for work specified by the manufacturer.